ETH 232: Ethics of Science and Technology in Islam embarks on a 14-week exploration of the Islamic ethical framework as it pertains to the rapidly evolving fields of science and technology. This course examines how Islamic jurisprudence addresses the moral implications of advancements in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, information technology, and environmental science. Through a combination of Quranic teachings, Hadith, classical fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), and contemporary scholarly analysis, students will explore the balance between innovation and ethical responsibility in the Muslim world. The course aims to equip students with the tools to critically assess technological developments from an Islamic ethical perspective, fostering a dialogue between faith and reason in the modern context.
Overall Objectives:
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Articulate the principles of Islamic ethics as they apply to science and technology.
- Analyze the ethical considerations of modern scientific research and technological innovation in light of Islamic teachings.
- Evaluate the impact of emerging technologies on society from an Islamic perspective.
- Discuss the role of Muslim scientists and technologists in addressing ethical challenges.
- Examine case studies on bioethics, environmental ethics, and AI ethics within the Islamic framework.
- Identify the ethical boundaries set by Islamic law in scientific experimentation and technological application.
- Explore the concept of risk and benefit analysis (Maslaha and Mafsada) in the context of new technologies.
- Engage with contemporary debates on the ethical use of technology in areas such as medicine, environment, and communication.
- Develop reasoned ethical positions on contentious issues in science and technology based on Islamic jurisprudence.
- Reflect on the future of ethical governance in the Muslim world in the face of technological advancement.
